Knights in shining armor help raise money for Salem child in need of transplant

Cris Lett, of New Salem, Mass., and Charlie Andrews of Eagle Mountain, Utah, joust Sunday during the "Tilt Against Cystic Fibrosis, A Benefit for Athena," held at the Treasure Hill Farm in Salem.

Published May 06. 2013 12:01AM

Salem - With the help of the unlikely pairing of indie pop duo Mates of State and jousting celebrity Charlie Andrews, a benefit for a young Salem girl in need of a double-lung transplant more than doubled its fundraising goal this weekend.

Joseph F. Newman, managing director of Treasure Hill Farm, where the benefit took place, said "Tilt Against Cystic Fibrosis" raised $8,500 by Sunday, far exceeding their $4,000 goal. More than 500 people showed up for a jousting clinic hosted Saturday by Charlie Andrews of National Geographic Channel's "Knights of Mayhem" and Sunday's festival, featuring games, food, and of course, Mates of State.

It was all for 10-year-old Athena Grey, who was diagnosed at 4 weeks old with cystic fibrosis and is in need of a double-lung transplant.

A press release from Treasure Hill Farm said the proceeds will go toward easing Athena's family's financial burden during the transplant.